life saving device

[dirtlover46]

Hi all.

I came on here to ask for all your advice. I had this idea a while ago but I've been busy finishing school so I haven't been able to pursue it. This year I am taking a gap year in order to see if I can make this work. First off, I know there is another device called the ICEdot crash sensor But I have read numerous reviews, and the majority of them say it doesn't work. My idea is having a normal cycling computer, with a wrist strap attached to it and to you. If you are involved in a crash or a fall, the attachment on your wrist will be removed from the device, prompting an alarm to be sounded. If the alarm isn't turned off within a minute or two, it sends your location to emergency dispatchers, or family members so that they can send professional help.

Would any of you be interested in buying this product if it arrives on the market?

And if any of you awesome people have advice, please share.

Thanks, Daniel

[Paul Ruinaard]

Sounds interesting. Maybe you should flesh out your proposal a bit and put it on Kickstarter or the like.

 

A number of the systems I have seen are going to require a method to send signals I.e. Connection to the mobile network as a way of alerting people . This implies contracts or the like. And they therefore want a monthly subscription.

 

Cyclelab did some research around this recently and as I haven't seen a device I conclude that they may not have gone ahead with the product.

 

There are apps like mysos which offers similar functionality and which are free. So your solution has to have some pretty compelling value to compete with them and you need to look at a price point as well.

 

Would be interested in your answers and how many you think you could sell.

[dirtlover46]

If the planning is right and the product works well, I believe I can sell thousands. I believe there is a need for items like these as it can get someone help when they can't get it themselves. It gives them a lifeline. I'm still doing research at the moment. Maybe thinking of a partnership with one of the major network providers as well as er24 or netcare.

[Letum911]

Also have a look at the "cut switches" used on boats, jet ski's and offroad motorbikes. That should give you a basis to work from regarding the contact brake

[Gonduir]

If you can make something that can transmit a GPS signal every few minutes then you might have a winner. Imagine this very likely scenario, you are mugged and thrown off your bike. Your device goes off and sends an emergency signal to your last location. Your device keeps transmitting the current GPS signal of the device so you can find the last location and attempt to recover your stolen bike.  

[popcorn_skollie]

Breitling made a watch like this a few years ago. Intended as an emergency solution for those who travel in remote places where there is no cellphone signal. At the cost of some serious school fees as you can imagine. The watch itself acts like a GPD beacon which communicate directly with satelites. At least that was my understanding.

 

Breitling Emergency II watch doubles as a

satellite emergency beacon

 

 

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/1-breitling-emergency-2.jpg

 

The Swiss-made wrist chronograph watch provides those who travel in remote, risky places with a dual-channel emergency satellite transmitter that activates with a twist and a yank.

 

http://b-i.forbesimg.com/lauriekahle/files/2013/07/Emergency-IIexploded1.jpg

 

The aesthetics of the Emergency II are not exactly what one would call slim and elegant. In fact, it easily wins the perennial “My watch is bigger than yours” contest, which sailors and scuba divers are forever playing, by weighing in at 140 grams (4.9 oz) – and that’s without the strap.

 

http://www.watchtime.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Breitling_Emergency-II_Cospas_Sarsat_560.jpg

 

This weight comes from not only the massive titanium case, but also because that case holds a PLB Category 2 beacon micro-transmitter. This in itself required a lot of R&D to squeeze the electronics into even a watch the size of a doorstop. It also has to work for 24 hours, so that means a bespoke battery that can not only punch out enough power for a satellite to pick up, but that can also be recharged regularly, so that power will actually be there in an emergency.

 

https://youtu.be/IwrAkNoNYbo

[Hennie VR]

So every time I want to take something out of my pocket the alarm will sound? 

Or

When I ride in the bush and branches hooks on the line the alarm will sound?

[bikebloke]

Breitling made a watch like this a few years ago. Intended as an emergency solution for those who travel in remote places where there is no cellphone signal. At the cost of some serious school fees as you can imagine. The watch itself acts like a GPD beacon which communicate directly with satelites. At least that was my understanding.

 

Breitling Emergency II watch doubles as a

satellite emergency beacon

 

 

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/1-breitling-emergency-2.jpg

 

The Swiss-made wrist chronograph watch provides those who travel in remote, risky places with a dual-channel emergency satellite transmitter that activates with a twist and a yank.

 

http://b-i.forbesimg.com/lauriekahle/files/2013/07/Emergency-IIexploded1.jpg

 

The aesthetics of the Emergency II are not exactly what one would call slim and elegant. In fact, it easily wins the perennial “My watch is bigger than yours” contest, which sailors and scuba divers are forever playing, by weighing in at 140 grams (4.9 oz) – and that’s without the strap.

 

http://www.watchtime.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Breitling_Emergency-II_Cospas_Sarsat_560.jpg

 

This weight comes from not only the massive titanium case, but also because that case holds a PLB Category 2 beacon micro-transmitter. This in itself required a lot of R&D to squeeze the electronics into even a watch the size of a doorstop. It also has to work for 24 hours, so that means a bespoke battery that can not only punch out enough power for a satellite to pick up, but that can also be recharged regularly, so that power will actually be there in an emergency.

 

https://youtu.be/IwrAkNoNYbo

 

they tested this on Top Gear they left hamster starving in the wilderness and waited till the last minutes to go get him

I think it was to take the piss because he bought one of these watches

 

edit - it does actually work but at a wicked price

[dirtlover46]

Is it not better than riding in the bush and crashing, getting knocked unconscious, and losing blood? I would much rather unravel the wrist strap to reach into my pocket (about 10 seconds max). And with regards to the bushes, you'd be getting a face full of bush if it's hooking onto the string. Who knows, maybe those bushes have thorns in and they take your eyes out. Good thing you'd have the device to call someone.

So every time I want to take something out of my pocket the alarm will sound?

Or

When I ride in the bush and branches hooks on the line the alarm will sound?

[dirtlover46]

Yeah that's the basis my friend and I are designing it on.

Also have a look at the "cut switches" used on boats, jet ski's and offroad motorbikes. That should give you a basis to work from regarding the contact brake

[dirtlover46]

Would people be interested in buying it? In my opinion I see a need for it, but I don't know if people will part with a little cash for something they may or may not need.

[Letum911]

Would people be interested in buying it? In my opinion I see a need for it, but I don't know if people will part with a little cash for something they may or may not need.

 

In my opinion your market will mainly be those that ride/train alone as should you be in a group and have an accident one of the other riders can call for help. My main concern however is that very few people still ride alone due to the amount of bike jackings etc, so I would suggest having a pole of some sort or possibly pre-orders to get some form of set basis to determine the size of your market.

[Suidwes Boytjie]

Breitling made a watch like this a few years ago. Intended as an emergency solution for those who travel in remote places where there is no cellphone signal. At the cost of some serious school fees as you can imagine. The watch itself acts like a GPD beacon which communicate directly with satelites. At least that was my understanding.

 

Breitling Emergency II watch doubles as a

satellite emergency beacon

 

 

http://www.ablogtowatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/1-breitling-emergency-2.jpg

 

The Swiss-made wrist chronograph watch provides those who travel in remote, risky places with a dual-channel emergency satellite transmitter that activates with a twist and a yank.

 

http://b-i.forbesimg.com/lauriekahle/files/2013/07/Emergency-IIexploded1.jpg

 

The aesthetics of the Emergency II are not exactly what one would call slim and elegant. In fact, it easily wins the perennial “My watch is bigger than yours” contest, which sailors and scuba divers are forever playing, by weighing in at 140 grams (4.9 oz) – and that’s without the strap.

 

http://www.watchtime.com/cms/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Breitling_Emergency-II_Cospas_Sarsat_560.jpg

 

This weight comes from not only the massive titanium case, but also because that case holds a PLB Category 2 beacon micro-transmitter. This in itself required a lot of R&D to squeeze the electronics into even a watch the size of a doorstop. It also has to work for 24 hours, so that means a bespoke battery that can not only punch out enough power for a satellite to pick up, but that can also be recharged regularly, so that power will actually be there in an emergency.

 

https://youtu.be/IwrAkNoNYbo

That is a serious piece of craftsmanship. 

[dirtlover46]

Yeah I agree. The market wouldn't be big at all here in SA. Perhaps an international launch would be a better option. I would have to look at all possibilities

In my opinion your market will mainly be those that ride/train alone as should you be in a group and have an accident one of the other riders can call for help. My main concern however is that very few people still ride alone due to the amount of bike jackings etc, so I would suggest having a pole of some sort or possibly pre-orders to get some form of set basis to determine the size of your market.

[Martin PJ]

Hi all.

I came on here to ask for all your advice. I had this idea a while ago but I've been busy finishing school so I haven't been able to pursue it. This year I am taking a gap year in order to see if I can make this work. First off, I know there is another device called the ICEdot crash sensor But I have read numerous reviews, and the majority of them say it doesn't work. My idea is having a normal cycling computer, with a wrist strap attached to it and to you. If you are involved in a crash or a fall, the attachment on your wrist will be removed from the device, prompting an alarm to be sounded. If the alarm isn't turned off within a minute or two, it sends your location to emergency dispatchers, or family members so that they can send professional help.

Would any of you be interested in buying this product if it arrives on the market?

And if any of you awesome people have advice, please share.

Thanks, Daniel

 

Hi, look on Ebay or Aliexpress for Child GPS watch, they are pretty cheap and can do most of what you say. Just don't trigger automatically. You would have to get one and modify it. I am sure at the prices which start at 35 to 40 dollars people would be interested if you could launch a product.

[V12man]

Is it not better than riding in the bush and crashing, getting knocked unconscious, and losing blood? I would much rather unravel the wrist strap to reach into my pocket (about 10 seconds max). And with regards to the bushes, you'd be getting a face full of bush if it's hooking onto the string. Who knows, maybe those bushes have thorns in and they take your eyes out. Good thing you'd have the device to call someone.

Doesn't have to be around the wrist... I think some sort of proximity sensor between pocket/phone and bike might be an idea - wireless - so more than 1m gap and off it goes.